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See how this plays out on camera this April...

Yes & I Love You by Roni Loren

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Everyone knows Miz Poppy, the vibrant reviewer whose commentary brightens the New Orleans nightlife. But no one knows Hollyn, the real face behind the media star... or the fear that keeps her isolated. When her boss tells her she needs to add video to her blog or lose her job, she's forced to rely on an unexpected source to help her face her fears.

When aspiring actor Jasper Deares finds out the shy woman who orders coffee every day is actually Miz Poppy, he realizes he has a golden opportunity to get the media attention his acting career needs. All he has to do is help Hollyn come out of her shell… and through their growing connection, finally find her voice.

A beautifully emotional new contemporary romance from New York Times and USA Today bestseller Roni Loren.

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This March find out...

If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy

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After having just graduated with a degree in shoe design, and trying to get her feet on the ground, Cindy is working for her stepmother, who happens to be the executive producer of America's favorite reality show, Before Midnight. When a spot on the show needs filling ASAP, Cindy volunteers, hoping it might help jump-start her fashion career, or at least give her something to do while her peers land jobs in the world of high fashion.

Turns out being the only plus size woman on a reality dating competition makes a splash, and soon Cindy becomes a body positivity icon for women everywhere. What she doesn't expect? That she may just find inspiration-and love-in the process. Ultimately, Cindy learns that if the shoe doesn't fit, maybe it's time to design your own.

Will she find The One this February in...

Exes and O's by Amy Lea

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A romance novel–obsessed social media influencer revisits her exes on her hunt for true love in this romantic comedy from the author of Set On You.

Romance-novel connoisseur Tara Chen has had her heart broken ten times by ten different men--all of whom dumped her because of her "stage-five clinger" tendencies. Nevertheless, Tara is determined to find The One. The only problem? Classic meet-cutes are dead thanks to modern dating apps. So Tara decides to revisit her exes in hopes of securing her very own trope-worthy second-chance romance.

Boston firefighter Trevor Metcalfe will be the first to rush into a burning building but the last to rush into a relationship. Love just isn't his thing. When his new roommate Tara enlists him to help her reconnect with her exes, he reluctantly agrees. But Tara's journey is leading him to discover his own new chapter.

The more time they spend together, the more Tara realizes Trevor seems to be the only one who appreciates her authentic, dramatic self. To claim their happily-ever-after, can Tara and Trevor read between the lines of their growing connection?

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Questions for Discussion...

1. Tara was mugged at the beginning of the book, on the subway. Do you think she is a little too naïve?

2. Tara is a massive fan of romance tropes. What are your favorite and least favorite romance tropes and why? What is the main trope for Exes and O’s?

3. Do you agree with Tara that classic romantic comedy-style meet cutes are “dead” in today’s technologically driven society? Have technology, the internet, and dating apps made modern dating harder or easier?

4. What is your least favorite break up song?

5. Inspired by Grandma Flo, Tara decides to seek out her own second chance love story by exploring whether there is a relationship potential with her past boyfriends. Do you think this could actually work in real life? What are the benefits of second-chance romances?

6. Many of Tara’s ex-boyfriend’s refer to her as the “crazy ex-girlfriend,” a term that is often used against women. Why do you think the term “crazy” is used as a weapon against women in particular? What are some examples of “crazy ex-girlfriends” in film, television, or music that depict this stereotype? Is this portrayal usually negative? Does Tara fit this stereotype?

7. How did Trevor’s childhood experiences and his family situation impact the way he views love and relationships? In what ways did Tara’s passion for romance (and romance novels) change his understanding of relationships?

8. In what ways are Tara’s and Trevor’s outlooks on love and relationships different?

9. Wouldn’t it be awkward to share a hot tub with strangers in your apartment building?

10. In what ways (if any) are they similar? Do you believe a relationship can work between polar opposites?

11. Tara’s ex Seth believes that reading romance has given her unrealistic expectations when it comes to love. Do you agree that romance books or movies give people unrealistic expectations? Why or why not?

12. In what ways could romance books or movies be beneficial to romantic relationships?

13. What did you think of Trevor’s grand gesture for Tara at the end? Were you surprised that he asked Tara to marry him?

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Will love be found despite tragedy this January in...

The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros

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Beckett,

If you’re reading this, well, you know the last-letter drill. You made it. I didn’t. Get off the guilt train, because I know if there was any chance you could have saved me, you would have.

I need one thing from you: get out of the army and get to Telluride.

My little sister Ella’s raising the twins alone. She’s too independent and won’t accept help easily, but she has lost our grandmother, our parents, and now me. It’s too much for anyone to endure. It’s not fair.

And here’s the kicker: there’s something else you don’t know that’s tearing her family apart. She’s going to need help.

So if I’m gone, that means I can’t be there for Ella. I can’t help them through this. But you can. So I’m begging you, as my best friend, go take care of my sister, my family.

Please don’t make her go through it alone.

Ryan

Questions for Discussion...

1. What was your first impression of Ella?

2. What was your first impression of Chaos/Beckett?

3. What was your first impression of Ada and Larry?

4. What was your first impression of Hailey?

5. Do you think it is possible to fall in love just by letters?

6. Why do you think Ella felt like she was alone and never had anyone to depend on in her life?

7. Why does Beckett not tell Ella who he really is?

8. Beckett lived in foster care since he was 4 years old. Do you think that is why he joined the army and never wanted to get close to anyone or settle down?

9. Did you ever think that Beckett was going to take the offer up from his boss?

10. Did the relationship seem believable?

11. Were you surprised when Beckett asked Ella to marry him?

12. What did you of Beckett’s offer to adopt Ella’s kids so they could be on his insurance?

13. Ella has to get Jeff to sign his parental rights. Beckett says he will take care of it. What did you think of that?

 

14. Were you surprised at how much the check was? Half a million dollars? What were your thoughts on what Ella did with the check? Do you think she should have kept the check, or did she do the right thing?

15. When Colt got detention for standing up for his sister. What do you think the principle should have done instead?

16. What did you think of Beckett and Ella’s date?

17. Were you surprised that Beckett admits that he is the one that got Ella’s brother Ryan killed?

18. Do you really think it helped Ella knowing how her brother died? Do you think it was right of her to make Beckett tell her?

19. What did you think of Beckett having a house built for Ella and the kids? Were you surprised about that twist?

20. The accident when Colt fell and did not make it. Were you shocked?

21. What did you think of the ending?

Is it a fairy tale romance this December in...

The Good Ones by Jenn McKinlay

A romance bookstore owner finds her own happily ever after with a single dad in a new romance series from the New York Times bestselling author of Every Dog Has His Day .

Ryder Copeland is an accomplished architect and one heck of a father...not to mention tall and sexy. He's everything a hero should be, and Lord knows, Maisy Kelly has read enough of her great-aunt Eloise's romance novels to recognize one when she sees one. But like all fairy tales, Maisy can't help but wonder if this Prince Charming is too good to be true...

Ryder is drawn to the shy, curly haired professor who hires him to convert the Victorian house she's inherited from her aunt into a romance bookstore. Attracted to a woman for the first time since his divorce, Ryder finds himself wishing for a future with Maisy that he knows is impossible. Ryder has never wavered from his plan to leave the small town of Fairdale, North Carolina, so he can give his daughter the life she deserves. But suddenly he's not so sure. And the closer he gets to Maisy, the harder it's going to be to walk away...

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Questions for Discussion...

1. What was your first impression of Ryder?

2. What was your first impression of Maisy?

3. How did the secondary characters contribute to the story and romance? Who were your favorite side characters?

4. Did you like the name that Maisy gave the bookstore? The Happily Ever After Bookstore or did you find that it was not very creative?

5. Do you think Ryder’s dad being an alcoholic made Ryder as an adult work all of the time?

6. What did you think about Dean, Maisy’s ex-boyfriend?

7. Did you like how in the book it discussed other books?

8. Ryder tells Maisy he is not relationship material. Why does he tell her this?

9. Was the romance believable to you? Why or why not?

10. How did you feel about the Ryder and Maisy’s chemistry and compatibility? Did you root for them or not?

11. What did you think of the main conflict or obstacle that kept the couple apart? Was it realistic?

12. Ryder is not able to say I love you, why is he not able to say it?

13. Were you surprised to find out that Ryder was leaving for a high paying administration job, when clearly his true passion is Restoration Architecture?

14. Were you surprised to learn that the house had a secret room? Did you like how Perry was the one who found it?

15. What do you think happens to the Ryder and Maisy after the novel ends?

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Is it worth the risk this November in...

Would You Rather by Allison Ashley

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Noah and Mia have always been best friends, and their friendship is the most important thing to them. Life is going great for Noah and he’s up for a promotion in a job he loves. But Mia’s life is on hold as she awaits a kidney transplant. She’s stuck in a dead-end job and, never wanting to be a burden, has sworn off all romance. So when the chance of a lifetime comes to go back to school and pursue her dream, it’s especially painful to pass up. She can’t quit her job or she’ll lose the medical insurance she so desperately needs.

To support her, Noah suggests they get married—in name only—so she can study full-time and still keep the insurance. It’s a risk to both of them, with jobs, health and hearts on the line, and they’ll need to convince suspicious coworkers and nosy roommates that they’re the real deal. But if they can let go of all the baggage holding them back, they might realize that they would rather be together forever.

Questions for Discussion...

1. What was your first impression of Mia?

2. What was your first impression of Noah?

3. Did you feel like Noah’s job as an architect fit his character?

4. Were you surprised to learn that Mia needed a kidney transplant?

5. Did you like the Dual 3rd person POV?

5. Mia’s relationship with her parents is strained and she is not close to them because they never told her that she is adopted.  Did you think it was right that they never told her?

6. It was a  very traumatic experience how Mia was found.

7. Mia actually goes and meets her mom and dad. Did you feel annoyed that the author did not give much detail about this visit?

8. Noah is still dealing with the death of his brother that he quits climbing. Why do you think he blamed himself?

9. Do you think Mia helped him feel happy again about life?

10 .Do you like the trope fake dating/ marriage?

11. Did you think people actually believed that Mia and Noah were married out of love?

12. Do you think marriage; was Mia’s only option to get health insurance?

13. Were you surprised to learn that Noah had feelings for Mia this whole time?

14. Did you find it interesting that Mia wanted to go back to school to become a pediatric dilatation?

15. What did you think about Mia getting a new kidney? Did you find it interesting learning about the transplant process? Were you surprised that Mia’s kidney was from a deceased donor.

16. What did you think about the scene with Rachel and her husband and baby at the airport?

17. Which scene in the book was your favorite and why?

18. What did you think of the ending?

19. Would you read more books by this author?

Is love dead? Find out this October in...

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

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Florence Day is the ghostwriter for one of the most prolific romance authors in the industry, and she has a problem—after a terrible breakup, she no longer believes in love. It’s as good as dead.

When her new editor, a too-handsome mountain of a man, won’t give her an extension on her book deadline, Florence prepares to kiss her career goodbye. But then she gets a phone call she never wanted to receive, and she must return home for the first time in a decade to help her family bury her beloved father.

For ten years, she’s run from the town that never understood her, and even though she misses the sound of a warm Southern night and her eccentric, loving family and their funeral parlor, she can’t bring herself to stay. Even with her father gone, it feels like nothing in this town has changed. And she hates it.

Until she finds a ghost standing at the funeral parlor’s front door, just as broad and infuriatingly handsome as ever, and he’s just as confused about why he’s there as she is.

Romance is most certainly dead... but so is her new editor, and his unfinished business will have her second-guessing everything she’s ever known about love stories.

A disillusioned millennial ghostwriter who, quite literally, has some ghosts of her own, has to find her way back home in this sparkling adult debut from national bestselling author Ashley Poston.

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Questions for Discussion...

1. Florence is a ghostwriter for Anne Nichols. Do you think books written by ghostwriters are just as important to an author’s legacy as those written by the author themselves?

2. Usually, keeping secrets can shake a person’s trust in someone else. But Florence’s dad kept the secret that he knew who Florence ghostwrote for and had read all of those books. Do you think some secrets can actually build trust once revealed?

3. Throughout the novel, Florence struggles with trying to find the perfect ending. If you could write any sort of happily ever after, how would it go?

4. Both Ben and Florence find comfort in romance novels. What are some of your favorite comfort reads?

5. There are many depictions of afterlives in the media- ghosts, reapers, spirits – from all different cultures. Why do you think the theme of death is so universally explored in stories and the concept of life ( or some semblance of it) after death?

6. What is a book you loved that you believe more people should read? What did you love most about it?

7. Death, and how a person handles it, is a big part of the novel. If you could leave a list behind for your loved ones, like Xavier does in the story, what would be on it?

8. If Ben and Florene were put in a punderdome, who do you think would win? Kidding – but in truth, do you think humor and tragedy go hand in hand? Why or why not?

9. Do you feel Lee Marlow was justified in writing When the Dead Sing? Do you think original ideas exist? Or do we all pull inspiration-knowingly or not-from the experiences we’ve had and the people we’ve met throughout our lives?

10. If Ben and Florence had a sequel, what do you think it would be about? How do you think Ben will handle his new-found power of seeing dead people?

11. What do you think Florence will write next?

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Will secrets be revealed this September in...

The One You Want by Jennifer Ryan

 

One week, two friends, secrets revealed, and a wedding gone wrong.   With the drama of Colleen Hoover, the romantic tension of Lori Foster, and the page-turning power of Jill Shalvis,  New York Times  bestselling author Jennifer Ryan returns in this deliciously unforgettable novel. Sometimes weddings bring the worst surprises... Growing up, Rose fled her family home—and a dangerous father—vowing never to return. But Rose is back in Carmel, California, with two to joyfully act as maid of honor for her best-friend-forever Maggie and to reunite and rebuild her relationships with her mother and sister. And she can’t wait to finally meet the groom-to-be. But when Maggie excitedly introduces her to Marc, Rose is horrified. He’s the man Rose spent one lust-fueled but disastrous night with a year ago. Rose and Maggie have shared every secret…but Rose isn’t sure she can reveal this one. To complicate the situation, Rose makes an instant connection with Gray, Marc’s best man and cousin. And as the big day approaches, the secret weighs heavy upon Rose. It was a whirlwind courtship, but Maggie seems so sure she’s found the one she wants. Now Rose faces the biggest dilemma of her Should she tell Maggie and Gray the truth and risk losing them? What if it’s best to leave things alone? Then again, what if her friend is making the biggest mistake of her life?

Questions for Discussions...

1. The novel opens with Rose returning to her childhood home and noticing that it looks so ordinary, and yet it held secrets. How do you remember your childhood home? Have you ever returned to visit it, and, if so what did you discover?

2. What did you think about Rose?

3. What did you think about Poppy

4. What did you think about Maggie

5. Like many friends, Maggie and Rose were once so close but life has pulled them apart. Why do you think some friendships last, even though time and great distance, and some do not? Do you think Maggie and Rose ever truly knew each other at all?

6. Poppy, Rose’s sister, has a very different way of dealing with their mutual childhood. Why do you think siblings often experience their growing up years in very different ways? Are there memories your family has of you growing up that are quite different from your own?

7. Were you surprised that Rose had a one night stand with Marc?

8. Maggie has doubts about her upcoming marriage, and yet things proceed almost of their own accord. In what ways have you seen the idea of a wedding become more important than the reality of a marriage?

9. Marc seems to regard “getting married” as something that will change him for the better. Do you feel his intentions are honest? Why or why not?

10. Do we as a society, place too much emphasis on the idea of “real life” beginning when you get married?

11. What did you think of Gray? What did you think of Gray and Rose together?

12. Do you think Rose’s actions are the right ones? Why or why not?

13. Are Poppy’s troubles, as an adult, of her own making or are some issues too difficult to overcome by sheer willpower? Why do you think Rose managed to do what Poppy did not?

14. How should Poppy and Rose’s mother have acted differently while they were growing up? Do you feel she was stuck between a rock and hard place or not? And why?

15. Is Marc’s bachelor party just good fun, or do you think bachelor parties have gone too far?

Read and fall in love this August with...

The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary

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Tiffy and Leon share an apartment. Tiffy and Leon have never met.

After a bad breakup, Tiffy Moore needs a place to live. Fast. And cheap.

Desperation makes her open-minded, so she answers an ad for a flatshare. Leon, a night-shift worker, will take the apartment during the day, and Tiffy can have it nights and weekends. He’ll be there only when she’s at the office. In fact, they’ll never even have to meet.

Of course, since they live together, sometimes they do need to share information. Tiffy and Leon start writing each other notes—first about what day is garbage day, then politely establishing which leftovers are up for grabs and debating the evergreen question of whether the toilet seat should stay up or down. Soon, they're sharing details of their lives: their work, their families, their romances. And it's amazing how much they learn about their flatmate just by sharing a space.

Even though they are complete opposites, Tiffy and Leon soon become friends. And then maybe more.

But falling in love with your roommate is probably a terrible idea . . . especially if you've never met. What happens when you finally bump into each other?

A joyful, quirky romantic comedy, The Flatshare is a feel-good novel about finding love in the most unexpected of places—under the same roof.

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Questions for Discussion...

1. Tiffy and Leon go from sharing their leftovers to sharing the issues they’re struggling with and the most. Where else does the theme of sharing come in to play in the novel? What does it lead to when characters are willing to share something with each other?

2. The story is told from both Tiffy and Leon’s points of view. What effect does this have? Was there one character who you warmed to more, and why?

3. Richie has been unfairly treated by the justice system. But we don’t know that for sure right away, we only know that Leon believes he’s innocent. Did you ever think Richie was guilty of the crime he was accused of? How would it have changed the story if he had been?

4. What do Tiffy and Leon learn about each other from the signs they leave in the flat? What might somebody learn about you, if they stayed at your place when you weren’t there?

5. It takes time for Tiffy to realize that her relationship with Justin was abusive. When did you first suspect that the relationship was unhealthy? What were the signs?

6. How has Tiffy been changed by her relationship with Justin? How does it affect the way in which her relationship with Leon develops?

7. How did you feel when Kay and Leon broke up? Could her relationship with Leon have worked, if it weren’t for Richie’s imprisonment?

8. Johny White comes to see Mr. Prior just in time. What does their love story teach Leon?

9. What does Tiffy bring to Leon’s life, and vice versa?

10. Mo, Gerty and Rachel are a huge support to Tiffy. Leon doesn’t have close friends like this. Does that matter?

11. Did you wish that Leon and Tiffy had met earlier in the book, such as when Tiffy first moved in or when she visited the hospice? What might have happened if they had?

12. Do you think Tiffy and Leon would have ended up together if they had met in different circumstances – say, on Tinder, or at a bar, or through a mutual friend?

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Live a dream this July with...

Dream On by Angie Hockman

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In this fresh romantic comedy from the author of Shipped , heralded as an “absolutely sparkling debut” by Entertainment Weekly, a woman wakes up from a car accident with memories of a boyfriend she’s never met...only to run into him a year later. Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Rebecca Serle.

What would you do if your dream man turned out to be real?

When law grad Cass Walker wakes up after surviving a car accident, she is flooded with memories of a man named Devin. The only problem? Devin—as confirmed by family, friends, and doctors—doesn’t exist. Everything about him, from his coffee-brown eyes to the slightly crooked angle of his pinkie to his high-wattage charm, is a figment of Cass’s coma-addled imagination. Still, she can’t get him out of her head.

So when she happens upon the real Devin a year later in a Cleveland flower shop, she’s completely shocked. Even more surprising is that Devin actually believes her story, and despite his protective younger brother’s doubts, they soon embark on a real-life romance. With her dream man by her side and a new job at a prestigious law firm, Cass’s future seems perfect. But fate might have other plans...

From the beloved author of Shipped comes a magical and witty romantic comedy that explores what happens when our dreams come true—even when they’re not the ones we expect.

Questions for Discussion...

1. At what point did you find yourself fully invested in Dream on?

2. If you could meet one of the characters from Dream on in real life, who would it be and why?

3. Did the book end the way you thought it would? If so, why? If not, in what way(s) did the ending surprise you?

4. Could you relate to any aspect of Cass’s story? Why or why not?

5. Which scene in the book was your favorite? Why?

6. Family dynamics play an important role in Dream on. How does the relationship between each character and their respective parent(s) inform their choices throughout the book?

7. What feelings did the book evoke for you, and did any of those feelings surprise you?

8. How does the evolution of “Rogue Curl” mirror Cass’s emotional journey?

9. If you could change one things about the book, what would it be and why?

10. One of the central themes in Dream on is “fate vs. choice.”

11. Despite the explanation offered at the end for why Cass dreamed of Devin during her coma, do you think fate was at play? Why or why not?

12. What were your thoughts when Devin brought the car to Cassie when he barely knows her?

13. Did you find it odd how Devin seemed to want to move fast with his relationship with Cassie?

14. Why do you think Cassie kept the gift from Perry a secret from Devin?

15. Do you think Perry overstepped on the gift for Cassie, since Cass is seeing his brother?

16. Devin’s ex Sadie manipulated him. Do you think that Devin was doing that when he was speaking for Cass at the Fourth of July party with his friends? Even though his excuse was that, he was bragging about her.

17. Devin does not seem to be taking Cass’s traumatic experience seriously.  Do you think it was wrong for him to tell his friends about her medical history without her knowing?

Will you see through the deception this June in...

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

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Catalina Martín desperately needs a date to her sister’s wedding. Especially since her little white lie about her American boyfriend has spiralled out of control. Now everyone she knows—including her ex and his fiancée—will be there and eager to meet him.

She only has four weeks to find someone willing to cross the Atlantic and aid in her deception. New York to Spain is no short flight and her raucous family won’t be easy to fool.

Enter Aaron Blackford—her tall, handsome, condescending colleague—who surprisingly offers to step in. She’d rather refuse; never has there been a more aggravating, blood-boiling, and insufferable man.

But Catalina is desperate, and as the wedding draws nearer, Aaron looks like her best option. And she begins to realize he might not be as terrible in the real world as he is at the office.

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Questions for Discussion...

1. What was your first impression of Lina?

2. What was your first impression of Aaron?

3. Did you like that this was an office romance?

4. What did you think of the pacing?

5. Did you like the first half or the second half better?

6. Were there any scenes that felt unnecessary? On the other hand, did everything feel needed for the plot?

7. Did you find it rude that Lina would not even acknowledge Aaron offering to be her date for her sister’s wedding?

8. Did you get annoyed or felt that it was unfair that Lina kept making assumptions and being so judgmental about Aaron?

9. What were your thoughts about the auction/ fundraiser that Aaron took Lina too? Do you think these kind auctions actually happen in real life or does it only happen in books?

10. Did Catalina’s family dynamic feel realistic?

11. Were you surprised to find out that Lina’s ex-boyfriend, Daniel was her professor?

12. The harassment that Lina faced because she dated her professor, was that justified? What if it was the other way around? A women professor vs a male student. Do you think the harassment would have still happened?

13. Were the side characters likable? Did you have a favorite?

14. The soccer game, with Lina’s family and Daniel, Lina’s ex-boyfriend was there, how awkward would that be?

15. What did you think of the whole one bed scene?

16. Do you think it was sweet that Aaron learned Spanish for Lina?

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See how it all unravels this May in...

Kamila Knows Best by Farah Heron

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Kamila Hussain’s life might not be perfect, but, whew, it’s close. She lives a life of comfort, filled with her elaborate Bollywood movie parties, a dog with more Instagram followers than most reality stars, a job she loves, and an endless array of friends who clearly need her help finding love. In fact, Kamila is so busy with her friends’ love lives, she’s hardly given any thought to her own . . .

Fortunately, Kamila has Rohan Nasser. A longtime friend of the family, he’s hugely successful, with the deliciously lean, firm body of a rock climber. Only lately, Kamila’s “harmless flirting” with Rohan is making her insides do a little bhangra dance.

But between planning the local shelter’s puppy prom, throwing a huge work event, and proving to everyone that she’s got it all figured out, Kamila isn’t letting herself get distracted—until her secret nemesis returns to town with an eye for Rohan. Suddenly, it seems like the more Kamila tries to plan, the more things are starting to unravel—and her perfectly ordered life is about to be turned upside down.

Questions for Discussion...

1. What was your favorite part of the book?

2. What was your least favorite?

3. What scene has stuck with you the most?

4. Kamila has a strong relationship with her father. Why do you think children sometimes have a stronger relationship with one or the other parent?

5. Did you think it was weird that Rohan spent the night at Kamila’s family home?

6. Would you be able to host friends for dinner and movie theme every week?

7. Why do you think Kamila truly only wants casual relationships? Do you think she uses her abandoning her dad as an excuse so she does not have to get close to anyone emotionally?

8. Did you find it odd that Kamila called Rohan “old man” even though he was 32 and she was 27?

9. How cold of Kamila’s mother to delete Kamila from her own graduation party. Her mother still had the party but for Jana instead for her scholarship. Do you think that Kamila should have told her mom that it was not her that hooked up with Bronx Bennet in high school, it was Jana?

10. What do you think about Kamila being so sure about her matchmaking capabilities?

11. Do you think Kamila is tired of trying to be perfect all of the time?

12. Were you surprised to find out about Kamila’s emotional abuse that was done by her by her mother?

13. What were your thoughts on Rohan and Kamila’s relationship?

14. Was it fair of Tim to just assume that Kamila would be fine with changing the venue?

15. Were you surprised to find out that Rohan was pinning for Kamila?

16. What did you think of the ending?

Meet someone new this April with...

It's Better This Way by Debbie Macomber

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After divorce shatters her family, one woman's struggle to pick up the pieces finally leads to a new beginning--but is the past truly behind her? #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber explores the powerful intersections of love and family in this poignant novel.

It's been nearly six years since Julia Jones had her heart broken. After her husband became involved with another woman, she did everything she could to save their marriage, to no avail. Their two daughters continue to stand by Julia in the wake of their father's behavior--and they've had a tough time getting along with the other woman who became their stepmother. Distraught after selling the family home, Julia moved into a condominium complex that offers the warmth and charm of a fresh start. Now, having settled into her new community and sold her successful interior design business, she's embraced a fulfilling new life, one that doesn't seem to need a man in it. Her beloved father's trusty saying is ringing truer than ever: It's better this way.

But when Julia meets a handsome new resident in the building's exercise room, she can't help but be drawn to him. Heath Johnson is a welcome change from the men she's encountered on the occasional--mostly disastrous--dates her sister has eagerly planned for her over the years. As she and Heath, a divorcé himself, begin to grow close, their friendship blossoms into a love neither of them had expected. However, they soon realize that combining families, even with four adult children, presents inevitable challenges.

When a dramatic revelation threatens the happiness they've found, Julia and Heath must reconcile their love for their children with their love for each other. If they can't, their bright future together may be nothing but a dream.

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Questions for Discussion...

1. Do you think Laura’s sons had the right feel that way about Julia? Even though it did not directly affect them.

2. When Edwards ask for a divorce, Julia does everything in her power to save her marriage, even after discovering Edward’s affair. Why do you think it was so difficult for her to let go? Do you think Julia should have left sooner?

3. In the beginning of the novel, when Julia asks her therapist whether she should sign their divorce papers, he responds, “Love that isn’t faithful has little value. It really isn’t love at all. “Do you agree? Why or why not

4. When Carrie and Eric first meet, they are stark opposites of each other- Carrie is extroverted and active, while Eric is a recluse workaholic. Why do you think they make such a great pair? Do opposites attract?

5. Six years after graduating college, Carrie finds herself unable to find a steady job or move out of her childhood home. Why do you think it has taken her so long to find a job?

6. Before meeting Heath, Julia is content with being single. A man is not necessary for her to be happy. Do you believe people can be satisfied without a significant other? Why or why not?

7. Do you know anyone that was set up on blind date? Did it work out or was it a disaster?

8. Given that both Hillary and Marie were adults at the time of the divorce, Julia assumes they would not be emotionally affected, but their conflict with their father proves otherwise. How do you think divorce affects children of different ages?

9. Eddie’s pride blinds him throughout the novel, making communication difficult and further hindering his relationship with his daughters. What could have he done differently?

10. After Eddie’s betrayal, Julia does not expect to fall in love again. Then she meets Heath, whom was also betrayed by his former spouse. How did they bond over this shared experience? Did it pay off?

11. In the end, the two families make way for peace and love, forging new relationships that continue after the last page. Communication plays a big role in this resolution, but how could each character have found a resolution sooner?

12. If “It’s Better This Way” were made into a television show or movie, who would, you cast to play Julia and Heath.

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Will her hypothesis be proven this March...

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

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As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn't believe in lasting romantic relationships--but her best friend does, and that's what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.

That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor--and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Stanford's reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive's career on the Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding... six-pack abs.

Suddenly their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.

Questions for Discussion...

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1. What was your first impression of Olive?

2. What was your first impression of Adam?

3. Did you like the setting of STEM academia?

4. Did you like that it was a professor/student trope or did that bother you?

5. Did you also like the Grumpy vs Sunshine trope?

6. Do you think the relationship was convincing to others at the beginning?

7. Did you like getting to know Olive’s inner thoughts?

8. Would you have preferred if this book were told in alternating chapters from both Olive and Adam’s perspective?

9. Did anyone pick up that this was originally a fanfic based off Star Wars?

10. Did you like the side characters as much as the main characters?

11. Why do you think Adam’s employer has considered him a flight risk?

12. Who was your favorite character? What character did you identify with the most?  Were there any characters that you disliked? Why?

13. Why do you think Tom did that to Adam?

14. Did you figure out right away, that Tom was going to be a creep? Why do you think Olive did not tell Adam what Tom said/did to her?

15. Do you think Olive should have remembered or known that Adam was the person in the bathroom when she was not able to see?

Get driven around this February with...

Just Haven't Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens

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From the New York Times bestselling author of This Time Next Year comes a heartwarming and hilarious tale that asks: What if you pick up the wrong suitcase in an airport, only to fall head over heels for its unseen owner?

Laura's business trip to the Channel Islands isn't exactly off to a great start. After unceremoniously dumping everything in her bag in front of the most attractive man she's ever seen in real life, she arrives at her hotel only to realize she's grabbed the wrong suitcase from the airport. Her only consolation? The irresistibly appealing contents of the case: a copy of her favorite book; piano music; and a rugged, heavy knit fisherman sweater only a Ryan Gosling lookalike could pull off. The owner of this suitcase is Laura's dream man--she's sure of it. Now, all she has to do is find him.

The mix-up seems written in the stars. After all, what are the odds that she'd find The One on the same remote island where her mom and dad had first fallen in love, especially as she sets out to write an article about their epic romance? Commissioning surly cab driver Ted to ferry her around seems like her best bet in both tracking down the mystery suitcase owner and retracing her parents' footsteps. And if beneath Ted's gruffness lies a wit that makes their cab rides strangely entertaining, so much the better. But as Laura's long-lost luggage soulmate proves difficult to find--and as she realizes that the love story she's held on a pedestal all her life might not have been that perfect--she'll have to rethink her whole outlook on love to discover what she really wants.

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Questions for Discussion...

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1. The heroine of Just Haven’t Met You Yet, Laura is Journalist specializing in all things love. What do we know about her love life? How does her job inform her outlook on life?

2. We learn early on that Laura is very attached to parents’ epic romance. How did her parent meet, and how does their love story dictate what Laura wants in her own life? Why does she decide to write an article about them?

3. When Laura accidentally picks up the wrong suitcase at the Jersey airport, she is convinced that she has found her soulmate. What would you do with the suitcase if you were in Laura’s shoes? What items would convince you you’d found your soulmate?

4. Through Laura enjoys certain elements of her job as a journalist, she doesn’t find real fulfillment in it> What is her true calling, and how does she come to realize that?

5. Ted, the cab driver who ferries Laura around Jersey for her article, has a complicated romantic past himself. What were your first impressions of Ted, and what do we come to learn about his gruff demeanor?

6. The majority of Just Haven’t Met You Yet takes place in Jersey, which is part of the Channel Islands in the UK. Why is it a special place for Laura and what were your first impressions of it? How does the sense of the community play into the story?

7. This novel is full of wonderful and vivid secondary characters, including Laura’s family, friends, and the residents Jersey. Who were some of your favorites, and why?

8. There was excerpts of Tiger Woman and the Jersey Evening News interspersed throughout the novel. How did these elements play into your understanding of the story? What did you make of the ways in which these texts came together, and what surprised you?

9. Discuss the differences between Jasper and Ted. How does Laura grapple with those differences throughout the book? Why does she make the choice she does?

10. How important is the theme of memory in the novel? Laura’s mother believes objects can be conduits for memory. Does Laura believe this too? How does her emotional investment in objects change as the story goes on?

11. What do you think is in store for Laura and the life she pursues at the end of the book?

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Get passive aggressive this January with...

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Nemesis (n.)

   1) An opponent or rival whom a person cannot best or overcome;
   2) A person’s undoing;
   3) Joshua Templeman.


Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman hate each other. Not dislike. Not begrudgingly tolerate. Hate. And they have no problem displaying their feelings through a series of ritualistic passive aggressive maneuvers as they sit across from each other, executive assistants to co-CEOs of a publishing company. Lucy can’t understand Joshua’s joyless, uptight, meticulous approach to his job. Joshua is clearly baffled by Lucy’s overly bright clothes, quirkiness, and Pollyanna attitude.

Now up for the same promotion, their battle of wills has come to a head and Lucy refuses to back down when their latest game could cost her her dream job…But the tension between Lucy and Joshua has also reached its boiling point, and Lucy is discovering that maybe she doesn’t hate Joshua. And maybe, he doesn’t hate her either. Or maybe this is just another game.

​

Questions for Discussion...

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1. How did you feel about Danny as a love interest for Lucy? Was she ever actually interested in him?

2. Would you have preferred if this book was told in alternating chapters from both Lucy and Josh’s perspective?

3. Do you see any similarities between the two companies merging and Lucy and Josh falling for each other?

4. Do you think Lucy ever truly hated Josh?

5. Do you think Lucy would have stood up for herself without Josh’s influence?


6. Why do you think Josh hid his feelings from Lucy for so long?

7. Did you notice the hints Josh kept leaving that he has always loved her? Were you surprised when he revealed that his bedroom was painted the same color as her eyes?

8. Were you surprised to find out that Josh’s brother’s wife was Josh’s ex-girlfriend? Why do you think Josh hid this from Lucy?

9. What do you think Lucy and Josh’s futures look like together?

Mix a little Hanukkah in your Christmas this December with...

The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer

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Oy! to the world

Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt is a nice Jewish girl with a shameful secret: she loves Christmas. For a decade she’s hidden her career as a Christmas romance novelist from her family. Her talent has made her a bestseller even as her chronic illness has always kept the kind of love she writes about out of reach.

But when her diversity-conscious publisher insists she write a Hanukkah romance, her well of inspiration suddenly runs dry. Hanukkah’s not magical. It’s not merry. It’s not Christmas. Desperate not to lose her contract, Rachel’s determined to find her muse at the Matzah Ball, a Jewish music celebration on the last night of Hanukkah, even if it means working with her summer camp archenemy—Jacob Greenberg.

Though Rachel and Jacob haven’t seen each other since they were kids, their grudge still glows brighter than a menorah. But as they spend more time together, Rachel finds herself drawn to Hanukkah—and Jacob—in a way she never expected. Maybe this holiday of lights will be the spark she needed to set her heart ablaze.

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Questions for Discussion...


    1. Though they were both raised in the Jewish faith, Rachel and Jacob had very different upbringings. How do you think their childhoods influenced their characters as adults?

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2. Rachel’s family is Jewish, but she loves Christmas. Have you ever had an affinity for a holiday or event that your family didn’t celebrate?


    3. What did you think of Rachel’s decision to hide her career from her family for most of her adult life? Would you hide something of importance from your family if you felt they wouldn’t understand it?


    4. Rachel and Mickey are best friends since forever. How did you feel about the way their friendship was depicted in the story? Do you have a friend you’re as close with as they are with one another? What has that friendship meant to you in your life?


    5. Living with chronic illness has affected Rachel’s life in almost every way imaginable. What, if anything, did you learn about myalgic encephalomyelitis, aka chronic fatigue syndrome?


    6. Rachel feels frustrated that the more commonly known term for her illness, chronic fatigue syndrome, comes with a certain amount of stigma, and people don’t take it seriously. Can you think of any other conditions that are treated similarly by the general public?


    7. Both Rachel’s mother and Jacob’s bubbe tend to feed (or overfeed!) their loved ones. This is considered a common way to show affection in many cultures, including the Jewish culture. What are some traditions in your culture, and how are they expressed in your family?


   8. Though Rachel and Jacob did not personally experience it, they are both influenced by the Holocaust in subtle ways. What are some ways in which that influence manifests itself? Are there any events in your family history that continue to influence you today, even though you did not directly experience them?


   9. Rachel quotes Midrash, saying, “God only works through broken vessels.” What do you think Rachel means when she says this? How do Rachel and Jacob both come to accept, and create meaning out of, their brokenness?


   10. On Hanukkah, Jews use a shamash, one flame that lights all the candles on the chanukiyah. What are some of the ways that the characters in The Matzah Ball act like a shamash, spreading light to others?


  11. What are some Jewish traditions and rituals you recognized while reading The Matzah Ball? Was there anything that surprised you? Are there any traditions you would like to learn more about or incorporate into your own life?


  12. Who was your favorite character and why?


   13. If you could cast the movie version of The Matzah Ball, who would you cast as the leads? How about the secondary characters?
 

Nov. 2022 The Family You Make.jpg

Is it all pretend this November with...
The Family You Make by Jill Shalvis

During the snowstorm of the century Levi Cutler is stranded on a ski lift with a beautiful stranger named Jane. After strong winds hurl the gondola in front of them into the ground, Levi calls his parents to prepare them for the worst...but can't bring himself to say goodbye. Instead, wanting to fulfill his mother's lifelong wish, he impulsively tells her he's happily settled and Jane is his girlfriend--right before his phone dies.

But Levi and Jane do not.

Now Levi's family is desperate to meet "The One." Though Jane agrees to be his pretend girlfriend for just one dinner, she's nervous. After a traumatic childhood, Jane isn't sure she knows how to be around a tight-knit family that cherishes one another. She's terrified, and a little jealous. But an unexpected series of events and a host of new friends soon show Jane that perhaps this is the life she was always meant to have.

As Jane and Levi spend more time together, pretend feelings quickly turn into real ones. Now all Jane has to do is admit to herself she can't live without the man she's fallen in love with and the family she has always dreamed of.

Questions for Discussion...

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1. If you thought you only had a few minutes to days left to live, what would you do during that time?

2. Did you think Levi’s deception was justified?

3. What were your thoughts on Jane’s mother having a new family?

4. Do you think Jane’s mom is still embarrassed about having Jane so young and having no contact with her? .

5. Has anyone ever been downhill skiing?

6. Under what circumstances would it be acceptable to lie to your family, or is it never acceptable?

7. Would you have agreed to help Levi if you were in Jane’s position? Why or why not?

8. Do you have any regrets about your past relationships? How do they impact your current relationships?

9. Jane’s job as a traveling nurse would be interesting but hard because she doesn’t have any roots to keep her grounded. Do you think Jane truly enjoys being a traveling nurse?

10. What is your definition of family?

11. Did you suspect Cal was the one stealing money from the store?


12. If you could choose your own family, would it look the same? Different?

13. What do you think about Jane’s decision to make amends with her grandfather? Why was this important to her?

14. What do you think the characters’ lives are like in the years after the novel ends?

Will the curse be broken this October? Find out in...
Witch Please by Ann Aguirre


Danica Waterhouse is a fully modern witch—daughter, granddaughter, cousin, and co-owner of the Fix-It Witches, a magical tech repair shop. After a messy breakup that included way too much family “feedback,” Danica made a pact with her cousin: they’ll keep their hearts protected and have fun, without involving any of the overly opinionated Waterhouse matriarchs. Danica is more than a little exhausted navigating a long-standing family feud where Gram thinks the only good mundane is a dead one and Danica’s mother weaves floral crowns for anyone who crosses her path.

Three blocks down from the Fix-It Witches, Titus Winnaker, owner of Sugar Daddy’s bakery, has family trouble of his own. After a tragic loss, all he’s got left is his sister, the bakery, and a lifetime of terrible luck in love. Sure, business is sweet, but he can’t seem to shake the romantic curse that’s left him past thirty and still a virgin. He’s decided he’s doomed to be forever alone.

Until he meets Danica Waterhouse. The sparks are instant, their attraction irresistible. For him, she’s the one. To her, he’s a firebomb thrown in the middle of a family war. Can a modern witch find love with an old-fashioned mundane who refuses to settle for anything less than forever?

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Questions for Discussion...

1. What do you think Titu’s uneventful love life adds to him as a character? And what does Danica find so intriguing about him?

 

2. Danica is a people pleaser, and she hates conflict. How would you have handled her issues with her grandmother?

 

3. Titus tends to be emotionally needy, and he fears nobody will ever love him, due to past dating disasters. Do you think he’ll eventually heal from that once he’s settled in a stable relationship? Why or why not?

 

4. Families can be complicated. When it comes out how terrible a certain relative is in Witch Please, readers might be surprised that Gram wasn’t cut off years ago. Do you think toxic relatives can ever change?

 

5. If you were a witch, what magical ability would you like to have? (Technology, Illusions, life magic, mind-altering.

 

6. Witch Please has some complex family situations, like Titu’s dad moving on so fast and that it hurts both his kids. How do you feel about the blended family dynamic? Is it possible to make it work or do you prefer finding your own family, creating it yourself with friends you’ve chosen?

 

7. Clementine Waterhouse is often thought of as the “mean” one because she’s blunt and logical, and she tends not to pull her punches. She fits the profile of unlikable. Why do female characters have to be sweet, nice, kind, supportive, and patient. How do you feel about “unlikable'' characters?

 

8. Titus and Danica are soul mates, basically, meant to be together. Do you believe in that concept? Why or why not?

 

9. Leanne totally hooks up with Trevor in this story. She’s a man-eater. He’s the chilliest bro ever. Where do you see that going ?

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There might be a lucky swap this September with...
You Lucky Dog by Julia London


Carly Kennedy's life is in a spiral. She is drowning in work, her divorced parents are going through their midlife crises, and somehow Carly's sister convinces her to foster Baxter--a basset hound rescue with a bad case of the blues. When Carly comes home late from work one day to discover that the dog walker has accidentally switched out Baxter for another perkier, friendlier basset hound, she has reached the end of her leash.

When Max Sheffington finds a depressed male basset hound in place of his cheerful Hazel, he is bewildered. But when cute, fiery Carly arrives on his doorstep, he is intrigued. He was expecting the dog walker, not a pretty woman with firm ideas about dog discipline. And Carly was not expecting a handsome, bespectacled man to be feeding her dog mac and cheese. Baxter is besotted with Hazel, and Carly realizes she may have found the key to her puppy’s happiness. For his sake, she starts to spend more time with Hazel and Max, until she begins to understand the appeal of falling for your polar opposite.

Questions for Discussion...

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1. What is your first impression of Carly?

 

2. What is your first impression of Max?

 

3. What do you think of Jamie’s character?

 

4. Max and Carly are both very committed to their careers. What did you think about how the author handled the characters balancing their careers with their relationships?

 

5. Do you think that Carly should have to wear all of Victor's designs?

 

6. Baxter  and Hazel are completely different dogs. Which one is your favorite? Do you think this happens a lot ?

 

7. Did you enjoy having all of the different types of relationships?

 

8. What did you think of the twist with Max’s dad and Carly’s mom?

 

9. In the scene where jaime and Max figure out that their dad is dating. Was Jamie’s reaction understandable by saying “Loyal Dad” or did it take a while to understand?

 

10. Do you think the main character could have made it work long distance instead of breaking up? Why or why not?

 

11. Which family member or side story was your favorite?

 

12. If you were going to continue this story (fan fiction, anyone?!)”“what would you want to write about?

Take a life changing detour this August with...
The Paris Connection by Lorraine Brown


When Hannah and her boyfriend, Simon, board their train with only a few seconds to spare, they're confident that they'll make it to Amsterdam in time for his sister's wedding. But unbeknownst to them, the train is scheduled to divide in the middle of the night. And when it does, half of it continues on the route to Amsterdam. And the other half--the one with Hannah in it--heads 300 miles away, to Paris.

Left without her luggage, ticket, cell phone, or hope of reuniting with Simon, Hannah has no choice but to spend the day in Paris before the next train out. Worse than being stuck in a foreign city alone, though, is being stuck with Leo, the handsome but infuriating Frenchman who blames Hannah for his own unwanted detour. The series of mishaps that sends them traipsing through the City of Light seems like only further proof that Hannah's day has gone from bad to worse. So why is it that the more Hannah takes in the glorious sights and sounds of Paris--and the more time she spends with the increasingly intriguing Leo--the more she finds herself beginning to question the safe, tidy life she's built for herself back home in London?

Warm, witty, and brimming with the romance and nostalgia that can be found only in Paris, The Paris Connection is the unforgettable story of how the wrong road can sometimes lead us in the right direction.

Paris Connection

Questions for Discussion...

1. At the beginning of the novel, Hannah and Si are rushing into their train to Amsterdam. Discuss the series of events that lead to them being split up in the middle of the night.

2. Under what circumstances do Leo and Hannah first meet? What are their reactions upon discovering they’re actually en route to Paris?

3. What goes wrong when Hannah arrives in Paris and tries to make her way back to Amsterdam, what forces her to stay in the city for the morning?

4. Discuss your first impressions of Leo. In what ways is he different from Si?

5. What quintessentially Parisian things does Hannah do and see? If you had a day to spend in Paris, what activities would you plan and why?

6. How does Hannah’s previous trip to Paris dictate how she feels about the city in the present of the story, and how does her time with Leo change her mind about it? What is she able to see with a fresh perspective?

7. Discuss how the trip changes Hannah’s mind about her career and love life. Why does she ultimately decide to pursue photography, and how does Hannah’s relationship with art mirror Leo’s relationship with music?

8. An important there in The Paris Connection is that the unexpected detours in life can turn out to be some of the most valuable experiences. To what extent is that true in this novel?

9. What do you think is in store for Hannah and Leo?

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What is staged and what is real? Find out this July...
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston


First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz is the closest thing to a prince this side of the Atlantic. With his intrepid sister and the Veep’s genius granddaughter, they’re the White House Trio, a beautiful millennial marketing strategy for his mother, President Ellen Claremont. International socialite duties do have downsides—namely, when photos of a confrontation with his longtime nemesis Prince Henry at a royal wedding leak to the tabloids and threaten American/British relations. The plan for damage control: staging a fake friendship between the First Son and the Prince.

As President Claremont kicks off her reelection bid, Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret relationship with Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations. What is worth the sacrifice? How do you do all the good you can do? And, most importantly, how will history remember you?


 

Questions for Discussion...

1. Red, White & Royal Blue has fun with a number of romance tropes. Which ones are your favorites and why are they so appealing?

2. At the beginning of the novel, Alex and Henry are enemies, then they become friends, and eventually lovers. Why does their relationship work so well? How do they balance each other out?

3. What’s the most swoon-worthy moment in this book (if you can pick one)? What do you think is the biggest turning point for Alex and Henry’s relationship? Discuss.

4. McQuiston adds a great deal of LGBTQ+ historical context for Alex’s journey throughout the novel. In what ways is this important for both Alex and the reader?

5. Alex and Henry’s communication escalates from texts to phone calls, and eventually to intense emails that quote the love letters of historical figures. How does their correspondence add to the story?

6. While the book is about a romantic relationship at its core, there are a number of other relationships with friends, parents, and siblings throughout. How are these relationships important to Alex and Henry, and how do they enhance the story?

7. McQuiston has provided a rich cast of supporting characters. Who is your favorite supporting character and why? Do you have any favorite secondary pairings? If so, who and why?

8. How do the concepts of community and found family play a part in the novel? How might Alex and Henry’s journey have differed without a support system of friends and family in place?

9. Red, White & Royal Blue takes place in a United States and United Kingdom that closely resemble our own but ultimately exist in an alternate universe. How do the politics in the book reflect what’s happening in the real world? Who are your favorite fictional political or royal figures in the book and why?

10. Why do readers have royal fever? What is it about royalty that sparks such interest? What did you think of this royal family? Did it make you think differently about real-life royal families?

11. The book ends with Alex’s Democrat mom, Ellen Claremont, winning a second term as President of the United States and Alex and Henry making plans for the future. What happens afterward for this cast of characters? Where do you see Alex and Henry in five years, in ten?

(Questions issued by publisher.)
LitLovers © 2022

Love or Career? What will she choose this June. . .
The Fastest Way to Fall by Denise Williams


Britta didn’t plan on falling for her personal trainer, and Wes didn’t plan on Britta. Plans change and it’s unclear if love, career, or both will meet them at the finish line.

Britta Colby works for a lifestyle website, and when tasked to write about her experience with a hot new body-positive fitness app that includes personal coaching, she knows it’s a major opportunity to prove she should write for the site full-time.

As CEO of the FitMe app, Wes Lawson finally has the financial security he grew up without, but despite his success, his floundering love life and complicated family situation leaves him feeling isolated and unfulfilled. He decides to get back to what he loves—coaching. Britta’s his first new client and they click immediately.

As weeks pass, she’s surprised at how much she enjoys experimenting with her exercise routine. He’s surprised at how much he looks forward to talking to her every day. They convince themselves their attraction is harmless, but when they start working out in person, Wes and Britta find it increasingly challenging to deny their chemistry and maintain a professional distance.

Wes isn’t supposed to be training clients, much less meeting with them, and Britta’s credibility will be sunk if the lifestyle site finds out she’s practically dating the fitness coach she’s reviewing. Walking away from each other is the smartest thing to do, but running side by side feels like the start of something big.

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Questions for Discussion. . .

1. Britta and Wes both find moments of strength individually. What was a time you felt strong?

2. Britta and Wes’s relationship begins through text and email. What have you found to be benefits of meeting someone digitally first? What are the downsides?

3. Wes carries guilt about his sister and the ways in which he believes he failed her. Did you relate to his struggle in some way?

4. This book is a slow burn romance. Discuss why you enjoy a slow buildup to a physically intimate connection or prefer a quick physical spark.

5. Britta and Claire are competitive throughout the book but realize their relationship was negatively influenced by the notion that women especially woman of color have to compete with one another.

6. Have you encountered that in a work setting? Did you find ways to move beyond competition to mutual support?

7. Wes struggles to reconcile his ethical principles with his growing feelings for Britta. What did you appreciate about his struggle to balance professional responsibilities with falling in love? What would you have preferred to be different?

8. Before the 10K. Wes tells Britta, “I love you. Now, go kick some ass. “ and during, he tells her “This (moment) isn’t ours. It’s yours.” How do you want a partner to cheer you on toward a goal? In what ways do you like to see that in love stories?

9. Britta takes opportunities to identify things about her body she loves. Have you taken time to do this for yourself?

The Secret Ingredient for a Happy Marriage.jpg

Is it time to scrap this marriage? Find out this May in...
The Secret Ingredient for a Happy Marriage by Shirley Jump


Nora has always been the sister who binds the O'Bannons together. No matter what crisis hits, smart, dependable Nora knows how to fix it. But for Nora, the pressure of perfection is taking its toll.

Nora's marriage is in trouble, and she has been reluctant to worry her sisters with just how dire her situation is. Now though, faced with losing her husband, her home, and the life she's worked so hard to build, Nora can no longer pretend.

As the O'Bannon women rally around her, Nora begins to see that failure is nothing to fear. It's like they say in the bakery: if you want to make something good, you can't be afraid to get messy. When her husband returns, asking Nora to give their family a second chance, Nora must decide if their relationship can be saved-or if it's time to throw out the old recipe and start from scratch.

Questions for Discussion...

1. What do you think originally attracted Nora and Ben to one another? Nora explains how she and Ben met at a party and how she felt about him. How do you think he felt about her? How much of a relationship is set in the beginning and how are changes made as we grow?

2. Nora and Ben’s marriage is described as nearly perfect before his gambling changed it dramatically. Do you think it’s possible for one event to have such a strong influence? Or do you think their marriage would have had major problems without his gambling?

3. When Nora finds out that Sarah was in a playground fight, she doesn’t push for answers, choosing instead to ignore the problem for now. Do you think Nora’s tendency to put off reality contributed to the problems in her marriage?

4. Nora lies to her mother about her life, telling herself that it’s to protect her mother, just as she did when she was young. Why do you think Nora has done this for so long? Has it helped or hurt her family?

5. How do Nora’s weaknesses and vulnerabilities play into the story? How do her strengths? Do you see her as a likable character? A good sister?

6. Do you understand Ben? Did your belief in his guilt or recovery change throughout the course of the novel? How much did he contribute to his own problems? How did Nora contribute to them?

7. How does this novel explore the power of love, the danger of dishonesty, and the possibility of redemption? What aspects were you most drawn to-the family drama, the exploration of sisterhood, or the love story?

8. Nora thinks that Ben would have been the one to adopt the dog and lavish it with gifts. Yet, in the end, Nora does keep Chance. Why do you think she does that?

9. The Nora-Ben-Will triangle is one of the controversial developments in the novel. How does Will really feel about Nora? Do you think his interest was genuine and potentially long lasting? Did you think Ben’s jealousy was a valid and normal?

10. How do you feel about Nora keeping the miscarriage a secret from Ben? Is there room for secrets in a marriage? Where do you draw the line?

11. Marriages can get comfortable with the status quo, with each person carrying out their assigned role. When one person changes, it can upset the relationship, and one spouse may subconsciously try to the keep the other from changing. How does this concept come into play with Nora and Ben? Do you think a small part of Nora wanted Ben’s gambling ot continue to the be the reason their marriage wasn’t working? What did Ben have to gain by continuing to act irresponsibly and letting his children depend on Nora instead? If Ben has truly changed, how might that impact Nora’s role in their family?

12. Magpie’s decision about her baby takes time, since  her true feelings seemed to slowly surface. She made some important decisions about her lifestyle when she was younger and doesn’t seem to want to acknowledge the chance in herself over the years. Can you relate to that? How and why do people hide their true desires from themselves?

13. What role did Nora’s relationship with her mother play in her adult life? What about Magpie’s relationship with her mother? What about Iris’s relationship with her mother?

14. Roger is far more trusting of Iris than Colleen is, despite the fact that he has seen and dealt with a lot of people who lie because of their addictions or circumstances. Why do you think he is more trusting?

15. The word ingredient in the title is used literally at the bakery and figuratively about Nora and Ben’s marriage. What do you think is a secret ingredient to a happy marriage? Do you think it is forgiveness or something else? Do you think Nora and Ben now have that ingredient in their marriage?

16. What do you predict in the future for Nora and Ben? For Colleen and Roger? For Magpie and her baby? For Iris?

Will this waltz end in heartbreak? Find out this April in...
Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon


In this romantic page-turner from the author of Everything, Everything and The Sun is Also a Star, Evie has the power to see other people's romantic fates--what will happen when she finally sees her own?

Evie Thomas doesn't believe in love anymore. Especially after the strangest thing occurs one otherwise ordinary afternoon: She witnesses a couple kiss and is overcome with a vision of how their romance began . . . and how it will end. After all, even the greatest love stories end with a broken heart, eventually.

As Evie tries to understand why this is happening, she finds herself at La Brea Dance Studio, learning to waltz, fox-trot, and tango with a boy named X. X is everything that Evie is not: adventurous, passionate, daring. His philosophy is to say yes to everything--including entering a ballroom dance competition with a girl he's only just met.

Falling for X is definitely not what Evie had in mind. If her visions of heartbreak have taught her anything, it's that no one escapes love unscathed. But as she and X dance around and toward each other, Evie is forced to question all she thought she knew about life and love. In the end, is love worth the risk?

Instructions for Dancing.jpg

Questions for Discussion...

1. As you know from her lists in the book, Evie is an expert on romantic tropes. Do you have a favorite and/or least favorite romance trope?

2. Evie’s ability to see other couples’ futures is never really explained, other than the fact that the woman with the Little Free Library gave her the power. Did that bother you, or did Yoon’s storytelling allow you to suspend disbelief?

3. When Evie is at Shirley’s bridal shower, she can’t help but resent her intrusion into the family. She thinks, “I know what I’m feeling isn’t exactly fair, but that doesn’t make it any less true.” How did you feel about Nicola Yoon’s exploration of grief through Evie’s character? Did it feel authentic? Did you ever get impatient with her or were you able to consistently empathize with her?

4. Overall, how did you feel about this book as a portrait of divorce? What about as a portrait of love?

5. Did X feel like a fully realized character for you? Or was he too much of a, to use Evie’s words, “Classic Romance Guy”?

6. So, Fifi! Did you love her, or did you find her cartoonish?

7. What did you think about the big twist near the end?

8. There’s a lot of fictional bands in YA literature, and some have killer names (Spinnerbait) while others… not so much (looking at you, Shooting Star). Where does X Machine rank for you?

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